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The 66-year-old told a joke about "space monkeys" and NASA in an attempt to urge his players to pass to the impressive Andros Townsend, a story which at least one player allegedly believed had racist connotations.

But the Tottenham has since come out to defend his manager on Twitter: "I don't know what all this fuss is about. No offence was meant and none was taken! It's not even news worthy!" he said.

Rooney did likewise, expressing his shock at the report: "Seen the story on Roy this morning. He [has] done nothing wrong. This is ridiculous."